Applied Materials expands display, solar equipment manufacturing capability in Taiwan

TAINAN, TAIWAN: Applied Materials Inc., the world’s largest supplier of equipment to the semiconductor, flat panel display (FPD) and solar photovoltaic (PV) industries, announced the opening of its newly expanded Tainan Manufacturing Center in Tainan, Taiwan.

The nearly 15,000 square meter facility will enhance Applied’s capability to serve its FPD and thin film solar PV customers in Asia while capitalizing on Taiwan’s excellent location, strong talent pool and supply chain efficiencies.

“The Tainan Manufacturing Center is one of our biggest investments in Asia and puts Taiwan at the center of our display and solar equipment technology efforts,” said Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials.

“Applied has a 20-year history of success in Taiwan and with this expanded center, we are setting a strong foundation for even greater success in the next 20 years. I would like to thank our customers, employees and the Taiwan government who helped make this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility possible.”

The Tainan Manufacturing Center employs approximately 150 people and is expected to build and ship about 100 new PECVD* and PVD* systems this year – a 400 percent increase in shipments from last year. The Center’s Tainan location and extensive supply chain in Asia will enable Applied to more rapidly meet the demands of its large base of display and solar customers in Asia.

Applied Materials has a major presence in Taiwan with more than 800 employees in 10 offices across the country. A leading market for semiconductor and FPD manufacturing, Taiwan is also becoming an increasingly active region for solar energy.

In 2009, Taiwan passed renewable energy legislation aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy and boosting energy diversification. Applied has donated R&D systems for thin film solar energy research to some of Taiwan’s leading universities and supports education efforts through its Applied Young Talent program.

Taiwanese Premier D.Y. Wu, Dr. L.C. Lee, minister of Taiwan’s National Science Council, Tainan County Mayor H.J. Su and S.C. Lin, vice minister of Taiwan Economic Affairs, attended the festivities and recognized the contributions Applied has made to the country after 20 years of doing business in Taiwan.

“I am pleased that Applied Materials, a globally recognized company, is continuing to invest in Tainan and we will provide our full support to making the Center a great success,” said Premier D.Y. Wu.

“This is an exciting time for Taiwan’s technology industry as solar energy and flat panel displays emerge as major opportunities for our economic development in the 21st century. We celebrate Applied’s successful history in Taiwan and the extraordinary achievements made through the collaboration and commitment of our people.”